𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐑 [𝐎𝐍𝐄] // 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐘 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐃
summary: when you accidentally catch Lucy Gray upset, learning that her boyfriend has cheated on her, you're left to make sure she's okay, and thus a proper friendship forms.
warning/s: mentions of cheating.
author's note: here’s the first part of three for a lucy gray imagine i wrote, as i watched the new hunger games last week and now im suddenly 14 again lol. Also working on a katniss one bc why not, so yeah, hope someone likes it 😂
two / three / masterlist / wattpad
"You look very pretty, Y/N," my little sister, Y/S/N, said with a smile as I pulled my bag across my shoulders.
I smiled down at her, heart warming at the way she looked up at me. She was only ten years old, but to be someone she looked up to was a responsibility I took seriously, so when she was the one to compliment me rather than the other way around, it was sweet.
"Thanks, Y/S/N," I said, squeezing her shoulder gently. "I appreciate that. You think the guests will like it?"
"They'd be silly not to," she told me with confidence, and it made me chuckle.
I worked as a waitress at the Hob in town, usually being able to wear whatever I wanted and opting for something practical over pretty, but today it had been reserved for the reception of some peacekeeper's wedding. Meaning, I had to be on my best behaviour and wear the nicest thing I owned – a sundress in the back of my closet that I rarely touched.
"Come here," I said to Y/S/N, opening my arms, to which she hugged my waist and I squeezed her tight. "I've gotta go now, but I'll be back by dinner. Let mum and dad know, yeah?"
She nodded and I kissed the top of her head before heading out and walking through town to get to the Hob. It was the middle of summer, so I was already building a sweat by the time I arrived, but thankfully my favourite colleague and bartender, Miles, offered me some iced water when he saw me. The only reason we had ice was because it was a peacekeeper's wedding and they wanted the best for their guests, otherwise it would have been lukewarm as usual.
The reception was yet to start, so I spent the next hour and a half cleaning up the place as Miles got the food and drinks ready. Once all the tables were cleaned and set up, guests began to make their way in, and the act of the day, the Covey, soon arrived and made their way onstage to prepare.
The Covey were the only musical geniuses in the district, the best source of entertainment for those who wanted a party to remember. All six of them were extremely talented musicians, each with their own charm. And when they weren't working at the Hob, performing, they were hired to work birthday parties or weddings, such as today.
As I was with Miles, we were essentially colleagues and it was easy to chat to the joyous bunch of them, especially when we shared a dinner break together briefly between their performances whenever I was on shift. Though, admittedly, I'd harboured a small crush on their lead singer, Lucy Gray Baird, for a while now. It wasn't anything major, but it was there.
It began when I saw them performing once a few years ago, before I'd landed a job here as a waitress and was just visiting for lunch. Back then, it was a mere futile crush on a pretty girl I saw onstage. And then as I got older, now seventeen, and got this job, it didn't go away, and I soon realised I was just one of the many admirers of Lucy Gray, nobody special.
Of course, that didn't mean I wasn't an absolute nervous wreck whenever she paid me any attention or spoke to me. She wasn't intentionally flirty, it was just her personality (and she was also in a relationship with her boyfriend, Billy Taupe Clade), but it left me flustered every time.
It was a crush I knew I'd eventually get over. Some day. At some point. Eventually.
But for now, I was stuck, so I learnt to ignore it whenever I could. Of course, at times it was impossible, such as when they were performing some of their songs at the wedding reception today and I happened to glance their way, meeting her eyes for a split second. She was mid-singing, winking playfully at me before working the crowd as usual, and I knew it was part of the performance, yet I still had to breathe out quickly and remember that I was serving a drink.
The reception was easy to work, arguably easier than a regular night at the Hob because everybody was sober and more collected due to it being a wedding reception and not a night out. I was serving food and drinks, replenishing the buffet, cleaning tables, and it wasn't so bad, plus I was getting paid double just to do it.
Halfway through the event, I was standing at the bar, waiting for Miles to make up a tray of drinks, when I felt someone approach me from the left. I was surprised to see Lucy Gray herself, no doubt taking a breather as her family performed onstage meanwhile.
"Don't you look mighty fine this afternoon," she said with a playful smile, looking me up and down as she leaned atop the bar.
I felt my cheeks growing warm as I offered a small smile. "Thanks, Lucy Gray, so do you."
"Why thank you," she answered, smile permanent on her lips as she continued. "You should wear dresses more often. They suit you, darlin'."
I tried not to laugh. "Thanks, but pants are much easier to work in on a busy night. This is a rarity."
Her eyes glimmered with amusement before she glanced out at the stage and the lively crowd dancing along to the music.
"You guys have been doing great today," I complimented, before getting startled by her intense stare. "You– your voice– your–"
She began to laugh at my awkwardness. "I get it. Thank you, that's very sweet of you to say. The Covey are on their best behaviour today." She leaned a little closer, lowering her voice and adding, "After all, if we do good, we get booked again which means more money."
I nodded in agreement. "Cheers to that."
She smiled widely before leaning back again, and I glanced over at Miles to see he was still finishing up with the tray of drinks.
"So, how's your family doin'?" she asked, leaning her chin in the palm of her hand.
"My family?" I asked, tilting my head.
"You have a sister, right? And parents?"
I was surprised she knew to be honest, considering I'd never spoken about them before in the few conversations we'd shared. We usually just spoke about work on our breaks.
"Oh, yeah," I said with a nod. "They're good. Y/S/N is probably playing with her friends right about now. My mum's sewing, no doubt, and my dad will be in the mines. A typical day in the Y/L/N household."
She cracked a smile, before scrunching up her nose. "Your little sister is adorable. She always has the biggest smile on her face whenever I see her around. Always talkin' to everyone, it's sweet. And Maude Ivory always gets a kick out of playin' with her in the park."
I began to smile at her compliments – it was always lovely hearing great things about Y/S/N. "Yeah, she's always been the happy, outgoing Y/L/N and I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Hey, the happy, quiet Y/L/N isn't so bad either," she corrected, nudging me in the arm slightly, and the warmth in my cheeks returned as I avoided her stare.
Laughing quietly, she straightened up. "I should head back to the stage. Just wanted to check if you're gonna have your lunch break with us soon? Out back?"
I nodded, recovering from my flustered state. "Sounds like a plan."
"Great!" she exclaimed with a grin. "See you then, cutie."
I continued working and the Covey performed three more songs before we were all allowed to have a quick lunch break. It was timed perfectly for when the bride, groom and guests would make their speeches and none of us were needed.
It was hard not to drool as I made up a quick plate from the food offered, courtesy of the bride and groom. Grilled deer, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and gravy were a luxury, a rarity, and I was adamant on savouring every last bit.
Once I joined the others outside, they were all sat in a circle on some crates they'd pulled out, already digging into their dinners. As they mumbled about how great the food was between bites, Barb Azure, their signature bass player, waved me over where she'd saved me a seat between her and Maude Ivory, the youngest of the bunch.
I dug right in with my fork, savouring the flavours and making the most of a good thing whilst I had it.
"Y'know, I heard one of the bride's cousins sayin' she was interested in hiring us for her wedding next month," Tam Amber, their resident mandolin player, commented with a nod. "This gig seems to be paying for itself already."
"Let's not get our hopes up just yet," Barb Azure warned. "We don't know what'll happen."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll get another gig," I assured her, before glancing out at them all. "They'd be crazy not to see what you guys can do. Plus, I've been throwing in a good word with the guests, so it's kind of like really subtle brainwashing."
This earned a few laughs from them and Barb Azure nudged my side playfully.
"How's your job goin' today anyway, Y/N?" she asked considerately, and they all waited for an answer.
"Not too bad," I said with a shrug. "The folk here are a little easier to serve compared to an average night at the Hob. A little more–”
"Civilised?" offered Clerk Carmine, their fiddle player.
I tried not to laugh as I amended, "I was gonna say sober, but sure." They chuckled as I stabbed a piece of carrot with my fork and continued. "It's different, but a job's a job."
"Amen to that," Lucy Gray agreed, and everyone repeated after her lightheartedly.
"So, what are you all doing after this is over?" I asked, before sipping my water.
"Well, Lucy Gray over here is probably gonna go straight over to her beau," Barb Azure teased with a knowing smirk. "Been talkin' all day about how she misses him."
Maude Ivory began making kissing noises, eliciting laughter from everyone else, and I cracked a small smile at how embarrassed Lucy Gray became. Her cheeks were dusting pink as she avoided looking at anyone.
"Billy Taupe, right?" I asked. "Isn't he supposed to be performing with you today?"
"Yeah, he's not been feeling well these past few days," she explained, a shy smile on her lips as she looked at the ground. "Just wanna make sure he's alright."
I nodded, looking down at my plate. "That's sweet. I'm sure he's looking forward to it."
"Are you with anyone, Y/N?" Maude Ivory asked from beside me, smiling in a way that reminded me of Y/S/N.
"I am not," I answered, before smiling a little. "Just haven't found someone I'm interested in is all."
"And what are you interested in?" Lucy Gray asked, earning my attention.
She was watching me from across the huddle, eyes glowing with intrigue and a curious smile on her lips. To say I was suddenly nervous was an understatement, and I let out an awkward laugh as I looked away from her, unable to think straight all of a sudden.
"I, erm, I don't know," I tried to find words. "Someone who's funny, caring, trustworthy... it sounds obvious, the basics, but you'd be surprised how many people aren't those things."
She chuckled in response. "I get that... well, I hope you find that, darlin'. You've got all the time in the world."
I smiled a little, unsure what else to say, and then Tam Amber started talking about what song they could perform next, and the attention was thankfully no longer on me.
It wasn't long after lunch when the event finally ended and the guests began to file out. After saying my goodbyes to the Covey, who must have been exhausted after all their performances, I was left with Miles to clean up the place before we closed. He was sorting through stock in the back as I was finishing the brushing up out front.
I was lost in thought about nothing in particular when I heard someone's footsteps stomping on the wooden floorboards by the door, and when I looked up, I was surprised to see Lucy Gray had returned. When she spotted me too, she stopped abruptly, startled by my presence. It wasn't until she rushed to wipe her cheeks did I realise she had red, teary eyes and a frown on her lips.
"Oh–," she stopped, before clearing her throat, "you're still here."
Unsure what to think or do, I looked around. "Er, yeah, I'm just finishing up." After a moment, I knew I needed to check in. "Are you– what hap–"
"Sorry," she cut me off, avoiding my gaze. "I just forgot my guitar."
We both looked to the stage, where her guitar was peeking out from between the curtains. I hadn't noticed it before.
Not saying another word, she made a beeline for her instrument, and I hesitated, gripping the brush's handle. She was clearly upset about something, but I didn't know her well enough to ask.
Then, as I saw her grab her guitar and sniffle quietly, I knew I couldn't just leave her to it, not without a guilty conscious anyway.
"Lucy Gray, is everything alright?" I called to her, trying to dial down my concern for her sake.
She sucked up a breath before turning around, forcing a smile on her face. "Yes, 'course it is."
I frowned, putting the brush to the side before approaching the stage. "You're upset, Lucy Gray. Did someone do something?"
She attempted a laugh to ease the tension, but it only came out halfhearted and broken, and then another tear rolled down her cheek and my concern was skyrocketing because I'd never seen her like this before.
"You don't have to tell me," I added, "but you're worrying me. This isn't like you."
She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, collecting herself, and I wondered what could have possibly happened in the last half an hour between when she left and now. Why was she so upset when she'd walked out of here grinning?
"Billy Taupe wasn't sick," she suddenly said, and it took me a second to process.
"What?"
Was it something worse? Was he dying? Was he in an accident?
"He was cheatin' on me with Mayfair," she said bitterly.
I furrowed my brows, trying to understand. "The mayor's daughter? What?"
She nodded weakly before moving forward to sit on the edge of the stage, shoulders hunched. I blinked, realisation setting in, and wondered how on earth Billy Taupe could do such a thing.
"I caught them kissin' by the market," she said, and I took a seat beside her hesitantly as she continued. "He saw me, and so did she, and then she was smirkin', that no good, dirty–" She stopped herself, though her jaw was clenched. "He tried to explain, but I didn't wanna hear it." She paused, swallowing hard. "I realised I left my guitar here and came back for it."
I was in disbelief, both from the fact that Billy Taupe lied to his family, but also that he cheated on Lucy Gray in the first place. Did he know how lucky he was to have her?
"I'm so sorry you had to witness that," I said, still baffled. "That he did that. You– you don't deserve that at all, Lucy Gray."
She only sighed deeply in response, leaning on her knees and putting her head in her hands with exhaustion. Instinctively, I began to rub circles on her back, hoping it would provide some comfort.
"I wish I could do something," I said quietly, not wanting to upset her anymore than she already was. "I'm so sorry."
And like a switch had been flicked, she began to straighten up, making me drop my hand, and wiped her tears away shyly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be such a mess," she felt the need to apologise, but I shook my head.
"Don't," I assured her, watching her profile as she avoided my eyes. "Really. You don't need to– I'm sorry. I– I don't know what to do or say, I know it's all still fresh. But I'm here for you."
Taking a risk, I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, with the intention of giving her a side hug, but then she pulled me closer, hugging me properly. Knowing she needed it and only wanting to put her at ease, I squeezed her gently, letting her know I was there. It was horrible not being able to do much more.
After a moment, she began to pull back slightly and I did too, searching her expression for a hint to how she was feeling. Her brown, glassy eyes met mine, and for the first time since I'd known her, they were anything but playful and teasing. I was touched she was letting me see this side of her, a side not many were privy too, but I wished it wasn't under these circumstances.
"Thank you for that," she said gratefully.
"No worries," I said, sensing she felt a little better, but not completely. "I meant what I said, about being here for you. And I don't really want to leave you alone like this. Do you want me to walk you back home?"
She smiled guiltily, shaking her head. "I can't ask that of you, Y/N."
"It's okay, I want to," I said, before standing up and straightening my dress. "Just give me two minutes to put the brush away and say bye to Miles."
A little relieved, she nodded, and I did just that. With everything going on with her, it was as if the usual nervous, awkward Y/N that always came out when I was around her had disappeared. Now, I just wanted her to be okay.
After saying my farewell to Miles, I grabbed my bag and returned to the front, surprised to still see Lucy Gray sat waiting for me. I was certain she'd have left, using my two minutes as opportunity.
"You ready?" I asked, before noticing her guitar in hand and offering to take it. "Here, I'll get that for you."
"Oh, no, you don't need to–"
"Hey, I don't mind, really," I assured with a smile before taking the handle of the case from her.
She exhaled softly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she nodded, before we left the Hob.
The sun was setting in the sky as we walked through town and to the woods, past the Seam where she and the rest of the Covey lived. Their home wasn't far from my own place, so I didn't mind the trip. It was quiet between us as we walked, the sound of our feet crunching on the gravel the only thing to be heard.
I was worried about her, but I knew she probably appreciated the quiet, so I didn't speak until she did.
"The others don't know yet," she said, voice cracking, as if feeling the need to explain. "I'm gonna tell them."
"I won't say a word," I promised, glancing over at her.
She was fixated on the ground. "Everybody will find out anyway, but yeah."
"They won't find out from me," I said with a nod, and she glanced at me gratefully before staring ahead.
The remainder of the walk was a peaceful quiet, and then we finally reached her home, a small shack that all six of them lived in together. Though, I did wonder how that would change now that Billy Taupe had basically exiled himself.
It wasn't my concern though, so when we stopped outside her front garden, I gave her back her guitar case.
"Thanks again, Y/N," she said appreciatively.
"I'll be here if you ever wanna talk about it, or anything," I told her gently. "I know we aren't super close, but I'll be here."
She smiled a little, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I appreciate that."
I tried not to stare at her too long, but my gaze lingered a little longer than it should have. I couldn't help it – I'd never seen her like this, and it wasn't fair in the slightest.
"Lucy Gray?" I said before she could leave.
"Yeah?"
I paused, wondering whether it was appropriate to say. "You deserved better than him anyway. He was kind of punching with you."
She let out a small laugh, momentarily free of any hurt he'd caused her, and it made the warmth in my chest blossom intensely. I smiled at her once more before leaving her to it, walking back home with a fuzzy feeling inside of me.
It didn't take long for gossip and rumours to spread around the district about Lucy Gray, Billy Taupe and Mayfair Lipp, at least amongst everyone in our age group anyway. By the end of the week, everybody knew about the cheating and Billy Taupe's new relationship.
It couldn't have been easy for Lucy Gray, and I wasn't sure how she'd been doing as I didn't see her until that following weekend at the Hob, but I'd been thinking of her the whole week. When she rocked up with her family, excluding Billy Taupe who I assumed was no longer part of their group anymore, she looked a little better. I wasn't sure how much of it was a facade though, a front for the audience and the gossips.
I was working that evening, serving as usual, but I'd tune in to some of their songs and noticed a few new ones had made the list, namely about Billy Taupe and what he'd done. At least Lucy Gray had channeled her anger into something productive.
Once again, I was at the bar giving Miles an order when Lucy Gray found me on her quick break.
"Hey," she greeted, earning my attention, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Hey," I replied. "You're looking good." And then when I realised how forward I sounded, I tried to backtrack, my nerves returning the longer she watched me with her red-painted lips, upturned into a playful smile. "I mean, happy good. Like emotionally, and not upset, but–"
"I get it," she said, unable to stop her amusement from showing. "And thanks. I'm feeling a little better. Thanks again for bein' there."
Relaxing a little, I nodded, glad to hear it. "Anytime."
She quirked a brow as she asked, "So, what did you think of the new songs?"
I smiled. "They were great, Lucy Gray. Just when I thought you couldn't outdo yourself with your lyrics, you prove me wrong."
At this, her eyes lit up. "Gosh, you mean that?"
"Of course," I said like it was obvious, because it was. "Everyone here does. Sorry, did you not hear the applause?"
She was suppressing her smile, unusually embarassed as she looked the other way for a moment, and I couldn't help but smile at how cute she looked. It didn't last long though, as her eyes caught something behind me, causing her smile to fade away.
Confused, I glanced over my shoulder to see what she was looking at, only to spot none other than Billy Taupe and Mayfair herself walking in. They didn't notice at first, but then Mayfair met Lucy Gray's stare and proceeded to roll her eyes before tugging Billy Taupe by the arm.
"Just ignore them," I said to Lucy Gray, eyes softening at the flash of hurt crossing her expression.
She clenched her jaw slightly, looking down. "Easier said than done. He's headin' this way."
I furrowed my brows, turning to see, and he approached us alone, Mayfair somewhere ahead and not looking the slightest bit happy that Billy Taupe was talking to his ex.
Lucy Gray kept her eyes locked on the ground as Billy Taupe cleared his throat, merely glancing at me before nodding to her hopefully.
"Lucy Gray, you're lookin' real stunnin' tonight," he tried his luck.
My gaze flickered to her, curious, but she kept her lips shut, saying nothing.
"Really?" he pressed, growing slightly annoyed. "You're gon' stay quiet?"
She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here, as uncomfortable as I'd ever seen her, but Billy Taupe didn't care in the slightest.
"C'mon, you can't ignore me forever," he tried again. "I only wanna explain."
Again, she was quiet, and before he could say another word, I decided to give him a suggestion. I usually wouldn't get involved, but Lucy Gray was not comfortable at all and I wasn't just going to watch as he harassed her.
"Maybe you should give it a break tonight," I said as politely as I could to him. "She's clearly not in the mood."
Aside from the annoyed glance he sent my way, it was as if he hadn't acknowledged me at all, instead resorting to calling her name again.
"Billy Taupe," I tried to get his attention, getting a little annoyed myself now.
"Lucy Gray, c'mon," he was continuing to plead, and she was shrinking back the closer he got, only wishing he'd go away.
He suddenly touched her arm, an attempt to get her to look at him, but she snatched it back just as quick.
"Billy Taupe," I repeated with a firm voice, fixing him with a glare, and when he tried to grab her again, I stepped between them, pushing him back slightly. Just enough to earn his attention, and boy, was he unhappy with that.
"Are you deaf?" I asked him, raising an eyebrow.
He sneered at me. "I ain't never seen you around before."
"So, blind, too," I added, making his fists clench. "I'd drop this unless you want to be escorted out."
He tried not to laugh. "And who'll be doing the escorting?"
I raised an eyebrow, before glancing over at Miles behind the bar, who had witnessed the commotion unfold. One hard stare from him was enough to have Billy Taupe straightening up nervously. Mayfair soon appeared from behind him and tugged him away, but not before glaring at Lucy Gray and I.
A hand rested on my arm and I turned around to see Lucy Gray watching me with a knowing look. "Thanks, but you shouldn't have done that. Mayfair already hates me, there's no point in adding you to her list too."
"It doesn't matter. I can't just let someone be a bully," I told her, before glancing over at the retreating figures of Billy Taupe and Mayfair.
Lucy Gray snickered quietly, making me look back to her. "You're cute," she decided, "but stupid."
I wasn't sure what to think of that, nor how to react, but she continued speaking before I could think about it for much longer.
"I should head back onstage now, but see you on break?"
"Sure," I agreed, and she flashed me a smile before returning to the stage.
I watched her go, knowing I was getting too involved and it was definitely going to be a mistake, but I couldn't help it. Even if it wasn't Lucy Gray, I'd still do what I could, unable to stand aside as someone was being mistreated. It was only right. Though, I suppose, it being Lucy Gray also added to my worry a little more.
"She's right y'know," Miles suddenly said, pulling me from thought. He was sliding over a tray of drinks towards me as he continued, "You shouldn't get in Mayfair's bad books. She's got connections."
I sighed, taking the tray. "I know, I know. I won't now, swear."
He suppressed the urge to laugh. "You're in deep, my dear. It's written all over your face."
I didn't even need to ask what he was talking about, and it made my face heat up with embarrassment. Was it that obvious?
The rest of the evening played out and neither Billy Taupe nor Mayfair paid Lucy Gray or the rest of the Covey any mind, thankfully. I wish I could've said the same for myself. Clearly they weren't very fond of me, and it showed by the glares they'd send my way whenever I happened to be serving food or drinks in their vicinity.
I was delivering another tray of drinks to a table near them when Billy Taupe decided it would be funny to 'accidentally' bump into me, knocking the drinks all over and, subsequently, the glasses to the floor in a shatter that was barely heard above the music and audience.
"My bad," he said between stifled laughter, and Mayfair joined in with the laughing, making me roll my eyes. They weren't worth it.
I bent down to pick up the bigger pieces of glass and put them on the tray, knowing I'd need to brush the rest up as soon as possible before someone hurt themselves.
"Hey, what's going on here?" I heard Miles' voice from behind me, and I looked up to see him kneeling beside me. "You alright Y/N?"
"Just peachy," I replied with a forced smile.
"Here, give me that," he said, already taking the tray from my hands. "You go get cleaned up outside."
"You sure? I don't mind–"
"Just go," he said, giving me a look. "Please."
I sighed, nodding gratefully, before getting up and making my way to the back. Grabbing a rag from behind the bar, I went outside and let my shoulders drop tiredly, appreciating the fresh evening air. As I was dabbing the drinks from my shirt, trying my best to get rid of the dampness if not the stain, I knew it was pointless. I still smelt of booze and was inherently sticky.
Letting out another sigh, I leaned back against the wall and took a moment. Okay, so maybe confronting Billy Taupe and his new hotshot girlfriend wasn't ideal, but I couldn't just stand by and let him harass someone. This was a mild inconvenience at most, though terribly gross.
The door behind the Hob opened and I glanced over, expecting Miles, but straightened up when I realised it was Lucy Gray. I was certain she was performing only a moment ago.
"There you are," she spoke before I could open my mouth, and let the door close behind her as she approached me. Her eyes lowered to my shirt with a frown. "I saw what happened from the stage, but had to finish my song. I'm so sorry, Y/N, I never wanted you to get involved. He can be so petty and–"
"You don't need to apologise for him, for either of them," I said calmly. "They are the way they are. It's just annoying, I suppose."
She exhaled softly, before grabbing the rag from my hand and attempting to finish the job of drying my shirt.
"You need to stay away from them," she spoke in a warning tone, eyes flickering between her job at hand and my face, making me forget how to breathe for a moment. "I appreciate your help, that you care, but it ain't worth it. Mayfair has powerful connections and sway with some nasty people. You don't need to be in her sights, not for anyone. Especially not for me."
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, making her smile as she met my eyes.
"You don't need to be sorry, just be cautious," she said, expression softening.
It felt strange, her looking out for me when she was the one who had to see her cheating ex again. I stopped her from cleaning me up, taking the rag from her hand, and she looked at me expectantly.
"How are you?" I asked considerately. "With him here?"
"It's hard," she admitted with a nod, "but I got the Covey by my side. I got you."
I began to smile and confirmed, "Right."
She mirrored my smile, before asking, "Are you okay?"
I glanced down at my maroon-coloured shirt, now stained brown, and scrunched up my face. "Bit damp. Bit sticky. But I'll live."
She chuckled. "I think Tam Amber has a spare shirt. He won't mind."
Relieved, I said, "That would be super helpful actually."
She showed me to the place where the Covey hung out between shows, a large wooden shed, though more of a garage for cars nobody owned anymore, opposite the back door of the Hob. The garage doors were chained shut, but a back door was wedged open with a cinder block, and that's where Lucy Gray led me.
I stood to the side as she went searching for the shirt, my eyes flickering around with intrigue. I'd never actually been inside here, only occasionally heard the Covey tuning their instruments before a set or chatting away after one. It was spacious, enough of their belongings scattered around for them to claim the place, though really nobody owned it.
"And here we are," Lucy Gray said, earning my attention. She was holding out a large dusty brown button-up shirt my way. "Might be a little big, but it'll do the job."
I accepted it gratefully, offering a nod. "Thanks, Lucy Gray."
"You can change in here, nobody comes in," she assured me, before flashing me a smile and leaving.
So, I did just that. After replacing my shirt, I looked in the slightly-cracked standing mirror in the corner and tried to make myself look a little more presentable. The shirt was big, no doubt, so I was forced to tuck it into my trousers, though it was apparent to anyone with eyes that it wasn't mine. I rolled up the sleeves and was grateful for it anyway, no longer feeling as sticky or smelly as I did before.
I was trying to fix my collars, which were crumpling under themselves, as I left the shed, only to find Lucy Gray waiting outside for me.
"You're still here," I said with confusion, pausing.
"Hey, you look great!" she said with a bright smile, approaching me.
"You should be performing–"
She waved her hand dismissively, before helping herself to my collars, already attempting to fix them. "They can survive without me for a set. But you look good. Just gonna fix this up."
"Thanks," I managed to get out, feeling a heat crawl up my neck whenever her fingers brushed my skin. I looked anywhere but at her, hating how close she was stood, and said, "You sure Tam Amber won't mind?"
"I'm sure," she promised, before flattening my shirt and stepping back, tilting her head adorably. "All done. C'mon, we should get back to work."
I nodded, and the two of us returned to the Hob. She gave me a final smile before returning to the stage, and I was about to get back to work when I caught Billy Taupe's obnoxious glare from across the room, his eyes flickering between Lucy Gray and I. Ignoring him, I picked up where I left off and began to take some more orders.
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